Measles In Toddlers – 3 Causes, 9 Symptoms & 8 Treatments

Image : Shutterstock

It is very important to take care of your toddlers’ health as children are prone to diseases. Even a small rash can be a cause of concern if overlooked. One such disease which should not be neglected is Measles.

Measles is a contagious air-borne disease that results in rash all over the body. It is also known as red measles or rubeola. The symptoms associated with it become more obvious within a period of four days. It is highly essential to get in touch with a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment for your toddler. This is a very serious disease that affects toddlers between 3 to 5 years.

Key Pointers You Must Know About Measles:

Here are some key pointers that you need to keep a note of toddler measles:

Measles is highly contagious and spreads from one to the other.

It takes around 12 days to develop the first symptoms of measles after coming in contact with the person affected with the disease.

You must take your tot to the local public health service if any

doubt of measles.

Vaccination is highly essential. MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines) are given to help fight against the disease.

Measles vaccine is given as part of the regular shots.

Let your child rest at home and not allowing him to go out.

Toddlers with measles also develop symptoms of pneumonia.

[ Read: Chicken Pox In Toddler ]

Causes Behind Measles In Toddlers:

Measles are caused by virus. Let us take a detailed look below:

The virus spreads when the affected person sneezes, coughs or shares his food with others.

The virus travels through air. Thus, toddler can get the disease if the infected person is anywhere nearby.

The rashes develop after 4 days of coming in contact with the infected person.

Signs And Symptoms Of Measles In Toddlers:

The initial symptoms are cold which lasts for four days. Here are some of the other symptoms you can find:

Fatigue

Runny nose

Sore throat

Cough

Loss of appetite

Cranky

Loss of sleep

Redness in eyes or conductivities

Sensitivity to light

[ Read: Scarlet Fever In Toddlers ]

Diagnosis And Treatment For Measles:

If you think your toddler has measles, you should call your doctor and explain all symptoms to him. Here is how the diagnosis and treatment procedures follow:

Your doctor may ask you to go for a viral culture or blood test, if he or she thinks your toddler is suffering from measles.

Your toddler shall get better with home care.

You must read the instructions on the medicine labels you give your tot.

It’s best to keep your child indoors, so that he or she does not come in contact with any person.

Keep your child hydrated.

Your doctor may prescribe vitamin A supplements to cure measles.

With proper treatment, your tot will feel better after 2 weeks.

Make sure measles is treated on time, as it may often result in brain swelling, lung infection or seizures.

[ Read: Eczema In Toddlers ]

Important Tips:

If your toddler did not receive any vaccine, the infection can be prevented by offering an immunoglobulin (IG) shot.

It is recommended to opt for the vaccine as early as possible.

Toddlers look sick and quite miserable with measles, so make sure to start an effective treatment procedure as early as possible.

There is no cure for measles. All you can do is treat the symptoms.

You need to adopt measures to bring down your child’s fever, offer plenty of fluids and keep the lights dim.

Do you know any other way to treat measles? Share with other parents by commenting below.